UPDATE: Flood warning and 50mph winds set to hit Dorset

South Western Railway is warning that high winds and heavy rain could mean trains will run at reduced speeds tonight.

The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for strong winds up to 50mph affecting Bournemouth, Poole and the rest of Dorset.

The warning runs until 7am Thursday morning and means people should be aware. The forecast wind strength is Force 8 and large waves and strong winds will cause some spray along coastal paths.

Heavy rain will accompany the strong winds with most places experiencing between 25mm and 50mm which could affect driving conditions.

A flood warning has also been issued which affects the West Coast of Dorset, particularly at West Bay, Lyme Regis and Chiswell and will remain in force for two hours after the time of high tide.

The Met Office warning states: “There remains some uncertainty with regards to the exact location of the heaviest rain. Heavy rain will be accompanied by strong winds across many parts of the warning area.”

A spokesperson from the Met Office said: “Gusts of 65 to 75mph are expected along exposed coasts and over high ground such as the mountains of Wales, the Moors of SW England and the Pennines. Gusts of 50mph are likely more widely.

“Winds will gradually ease from the west during the night, finally easing from the far SE of England around dawn on Thursday. Outbreaks of rain, some of it heavy, will accompany the strong winds and will add to the difficult driving conditions.”